tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91614774256923908292024-03-05T21:26:06.099-08:00Penny Pincher Survival GuideDay-to-day money-saving ideas to make the best of the tough economic times. Light, fun and open for suggestions!Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.comBlogger500125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-86108127784671141332012-10-23T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-23T06:00:15.819-07:00Small business "how-to's"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, let me preface this post by announcing that, yes, this is my 500th post on this blog! Many thanks to my followers and please spread the word!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I felt it appropriate to use this post to address a topic near and dear to me - small businesses. Many of you may know that I have a wine charm business - growing by baby steps via retail partners, Facebook connections and my website (yes - ok, since you asked! See www.charmedbyarizona.com) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you interested in starting any type of business on your own, here are some great resources:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxck8Ua1tY-h5hBZssJbG0LjHgZa_gHwNJ27inw7mt9gcEg-U1vxQSiepWjdjg7BWwEP09Wn16PVAq-GcQsRsvrh1dXotQQHxhc-NfpN0rgXlyWjsc1IvLuNMay6LOiFhbK1U06BDzag0/s1600/homebiz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxck8Ua1tY-h5hBZssJbG0LjHgZa_gHwNJ27inw7mt9gcEg-U1vxQSiepWjdjg7BWwEP09Wn16PVAq-GcQsRsvrh1dXotQQHxhc-NfpN0rgXlyWjsc1IvLuNMay6LOiFhbK1U06BDzag0/s1600/homebiz.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">US Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Family businesses: www.fambiz.com</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Family Business Networ<span style="font-size: small;">k: www.fbn-i.org</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Family Business Maga<span style="font-size: small;">zine: www.familybusiness<span style="font-size: small;">mag<span style="font-size: small;">azin<span style="font-size: small;">e.com </span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span></li>
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Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-20128401834211333592012-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-21T06:00:06.993-07:00Making memories<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we've addressed lots of scrapbooking and photo ideas over the past couple of years, but what about a "memory making" collection? Here are two great ideas from Martha Stewart -</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A family recipe saver - see marthastewart.com for her version, though I did these a different way for each of my kids for when they graduated from high school. <span style="font-size: small;">I used recipe card boxes decorated for them and wrote family recipes (old and newer ones as well) on index cards decorated with scrapbook stickers and baubles related to food and cooking. Now when they are on their own (one already is), they have these with them.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBvyYFpHLxg2ynxDq85J0m5dIhPDbnky8jm3o1e6fbjt4SYcyIW9RG_y6aYqxEi36EbxrQvBexanwvAWL8KA-LpRkh5oPLG8ZFm_3m6mak9WKvtLmB3o8Uf6TKU4V51VXSb6hCiYaTIYe/s1600/vacationjars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBvyYFpHLxg2ynxDq85J0m5dIhPDbnky8jm3o1e6fbjt4SYcyIW9RG_y6aYqxEi36EbxrQvBexanwvAWL8KA-LpRkh5oPLG8ZFm_3m6mak9WKvtLmB3o8Uf6TKU4V51VXSb6hCiYaTIYe/s1600/vacationjars.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another of Martha's ideas is "vacation jars" - use small jars (about 8 oz) and inside put sand, shells, stones, souvenirs...anything to represent each trip you've taken. Label these with permanent file folder labels. Simple but memorable and fun to display. </span></span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-43412022229695792532012-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-19T06:00:12.667-07:00A chip off the old...?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Getting ready for your holiday guests with a fresh coat of paint? Check out </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sherwin-Williams' online tool at www.letschipit.com.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This site allows you to instantly generate perfectly matched paint chips from any image on the web (and, yes, it's free!).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCfrDZ_FHnh08EryMr4DEAyTDHMhB2AWXpFqGVhOJCOkO2Z9bdysQDaqm7wniwKBqaQuEIvziipO1k3BzZlPArqjCjymu49ffyXSGozPn-7cvHBqFp00sDDel60jScNbcuy0ebe6ZR6Mb/s1600/fallpaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCfrDZ_FHnh08EryMr4DEAyTDHMhB2AWXpFqGVhOJCOkO2Z9bdysQDaqm7wniwKBqaQuEIvziipO1k3BzZlPArqjCjymu49ffyXSGozPn-7cvHBqFp00sDDel60jScNbcuy0ebe6ZR6Mb/s1600/fallpaint.jpg" /></a></div>
Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-41967162651624881732012-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-17T06:00:05.600-07:00Insta-Shampoo?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_yEeyJbBovYdD71JeNrEcjCTFBEVFL36WM5XkwPdcX-TVMPVgrRHO2jGCRfuq-cVoOecsiyMebVDQTcIj5L5prTBD6SCEPaxLgh0gYT0guJu3KqG7B6-K07dlY1_DanAGZKPKYpiaJ7Z/s1600/dryshampoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_yEeyJbBovYdD71JeNrEcjCTFBEVFL36WM5XkwPdcX-TVMPVgrRHO2jGCRfuq-cVoOecsiyMebVDQTcIj5L5prTBD6SCEPaxLgh0gYT0guJu3KqG7B6-K07dlY1_DanAGZKPKYpiaJ7Z/s1600/dryshampoo.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Running late again? Here is an amazing idea - "dry shampoo." REALSIMPLE.com (9/12) did a "road test" of over 75 variations of dry shampoo and selected their best bets. These will "instantly refresh and revive your hairstyle and render the rushed shower unnecessary" - ok, let me know if these work for you! (FYI, the much earlier version of this was brushing talc powder through your hair - and, yes, it did work!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My version would be for hair that needs help with body so I'm looking at Arrojo ReFinish if I read this correctly. It runs $22, but that may not be bad for my travel needs since this won't be an everyday product for me. If you have curly hair, you are in luck - they recommend Suave Professionals Waterless Foam Shampoo at only $3.40 at drugstore.com. Sigh...always wanted natural curl!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out the other options at www.realsimple.com (9/12). </span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-14296245760002050852012-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-15T06:00:18.259-07:00Ever hopeful...!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2XRndJyCB8TEoVS9VasSwsN2tlwqT706NTfoO7OaWbaBSseDwlGtWcQWMiiCsVTI6rnRiQiwKE8ShPoa79odIja65CjUrFisS5uL2UcuaDiFaOs9XZfvJQUVLEkr10fV6Ff4Wr8IVZp7/s1600/beggingblogcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2XRndJyCB8TEoVS9VasSwsN2tlwqT706NTfoO7OaWbaBSseDwlGtWcQWMiiCsVTI6rnRiQiwKE8ShPoa79odIja65CjUrFisS5uL2UcuaDiFaOs9XZfvJQUVLEkr10fV6Ff4Wr8IVZp7/s1600/beggingblogcat.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As always, I want to be sure to blog about topics that are important to you...I try to cover a wide range, but your input would help me in discussing issues that are relevant to my readers! Please post topic ideas whenever something comes to mind - I am happy to look for answers, deals, etc. for you!</span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-12561736798530470472012-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-13T06:00:00.396-07:00Dog tired from the dog park!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2C9N3bCvXQOj3J5FKKDw_lncyOTqs7s5XcnufXQgajE6jz663JaX01eX0rf8yjKPDbdHhaMM4Da5lErhlvbSTEQcqVhofpgUPIkL5V9y8aFboXrbvF6XvSjFSNktCCuPl-_QAqKy1b40z/s1600/pecosdogpark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2C9N3bCvXQOj3J5FKKDw_lncyOTqs7s5XcnufXQgajE6jz663JaX01eX0rf8yjKPDbdHhaMM4Da5lErhlvbSTEQcqVhofpgUPIkL5V9y8aFboXrbvF6XvSjFSNktCCuPl-_QAqKy1b40z/s320/pecosdogpark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At least twice a week I take our basset, Baxter, to our local dog park. He runs as if he were still a puppy and it's a great opportunity for me to meet people from our neighborhood. Best of all, it is free entertainment for all of us! Check out one in your area by visiting www.dogpark.com.</span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-35402142789311953972012-10-11T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-11T06:00:15.958-07:00Feel like Cinderella left home from the Ball?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a great idea from REALSIMPLE - and, yes, I plan to try it as I just spent all day trying to catch up on too many tasks around here!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJo786VZ5Lt4g0Lr9aNQ_K0XIrGCleDLCTabR83hWf7ZdhoFFPyKez2jid6hkB6S2ebhB4FxqinVidjRvuv1CbZKv155HgAfTspaSlpkZ0lX_2qOlhbV9qptQ_ff1caOmg2Q38NM_xlLzf/s1600/jobjar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJo786VZ5Lt4g0Lr9aNQ_K0XIrGCleDLCTabR83hWf7ZdhoFFPyKez2jid6hkB6S2ebhB4FxqinVidjRvuv1CbZKv155HgAfTspaSlpkZ0lX_2qOlhbV9qptQ_ff1caOmg2Q38NM_xlLzf/s1600/jobjar.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rather than trying to do your cleaning (or any other tasks) all at once, aim to complete one specific task or chore every day. Write your key chores on index cards and select one per day to complete. Everything gets done weekly, but without the added stress of overloading yourself!</span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-81524575217197300902012-10-09T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-09T14:03:14.704-07:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some things never change (even after a long break from blogging!) - I am still very concerned with animals of all types and sharks should not be an exception!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWVZPD801zpXLztmvwDFRqJJyLwGA37TAhhlN9O_G18HMfxwX92x4mKzCmI51vxWXt2lfK7XR1U-Vr_LpFXjKclduGh9FGu1gPZgiDIWR-zNsXpW9ewu_jAerm4t0z6TnasOZgyprxytL/s1600/oceanashark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWVZPD801zpXLztmvwDFRqJJyLwGA37TAhhlN9O_G18HMfxwX92x4mKzCmI51vxWXt2lfK7XR1U-Vr_LpFXjKclduGh9FGu1gPZgiDIWR-zNsXpW9ewu_jAerm4t0z6TnasOZgyprxytL/s320/oceanashark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out www.oceana.org/scaredforsharks to help save the whale sharks around the world. Thank you! </span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-52646380009935918812012-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-09T14:02:12.141-07:00"Micro" workouts can lead to "macro" results!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to REDBOOK, a recent study in Ontario, Canada, suggests that by even slight activity increases in your daily life (walking down the hall vs emailing a colleague or parking farther away from the store when you shop) can potentially decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease by 15%!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioME7NSdm4KzVvUSfBxd-lnu-DiHX7wpQ_Oqc4dPhzamTXU6mhblN6_9t1AvHWGLQOZpP1D_5OGr8qWpD77HjUd8ZRiXzt2LGT6XYotVEfX7poFe-5H8ldw_lIPO116a-X4ZInCDRlEK-b/s1600/workercise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioME7NSdm4KzVvUSfBxd-lnu-DiHX7wpQ_Oqc4dPhzamTXU6mhblN6_9t1AvHWGLQOZpP1D_5OGr8qWpD77HjUd8ZRiXzt2LGT6XYotVEfX7poFe-5H8ldw_lIPO116a-X4ZInCDRlEK-b/s320/workercise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No this does not give you a free pass to avoid the gym or order chili-cheese fries, but every little bit helps, right?! </span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-36059166848250209822012-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-09T14:01:47.270-07:00Too hot to handle!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With ceiling fans all over our Phoenix home, lightbulbs are constantly burning out and just when I need them in precisely that room! Saw a great idea for taking out a still hot lightbulb - use half a tennis tennis ball (hollowed out) to put over the bulb to unscrew it safely.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAYpZ2O_KbUAeX3_4HOEIpfv-QwlfYrZMhgbt3OVi2kdTizdRGEGoOElh5_bIU2mtBLKNE2bPL8VWMswC0RJ_terWZUohlwMzRX-R2fgn27eAQ1cfkGJ_3veWchYgFADzIxYFcUrW6F1W/s1600/light-bulb-remover_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAYpZ2O_KbUAeX3_4HOEIpfv-QwlfYrZMhgbt3OVi2kdTizdRGEGoOElh5_bIU2mtBLKNE2bPL8VWMswC0RJ_terWZUohlwMzRX-R2fgn27eAQ1cfkGJ_3veWchYgFADzIxYFcUrW6F1W/s320/light-bulb-remover_300.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-84868309001783578052012-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-09T14:01:03.340-07:00I'm back....!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxXE7gPrx4OdChDCJgZLGEYVyaY2LEsTXFOURsaH3ggaWHqXDLsYW2wakhsBArm27LFqpWc77uLfcMMq0M2ccl0S0SGiv3fOPMqYka4n1kg6X1CxYNOhq0OEZS8EjNx4YUorMnfD2AwuZ/s1600/Hitchhiker's_gesture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxXE7gPrx4OdChDCJgZLGEYVyaY2LEsTXFOURsaH3ggaWHqXDLsYW2wakhsBArm27LFqpWc77uLfcMMq0M2ccl0S0SGiv3fOPMqYka4n1kg6X1CxYNOhq0OEZS8EjNx4YUorMnfD2AwuZ/s320/Hitchhiker's_gesture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And just when you thought I would never return...I thought taking the summer off would let me catch up on the rest of my life. But I am back, well before the holidays, to provide you with more ideas for saving money on all aspects of your daily life. And, as always, please post your comments, ideas and recommendations! Thanks!</span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-3845899864757043252012-06-27T06:00:00.000-07:002012-06-27T06:00:10.207-07:00Coupon Cache (or is that "cash"?)<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I thought I was the Coupon Queen, but here is an idea that never occurred to me! Ellen Madere (ellengetsitdone.com) from CT, suggests storing coupons in your car's glove compartment so they are always readily available when you need them. What a great idea!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3Pn-OSHeICuVM6ZEUd0oMmp5F0rom634HgHvvAfYU2GxrjQoe1CvovVvCv8dut6CSr4jkoNXBHWdlGrLsGIu6Lu7Iwi2AjD_SEsSA1XmzJpVX3oH1OYB3zI2zRqoNw9zVuaToiU79fNu/s1600/glove+compartment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3Pn-OSHeICuVM6ZEUd0oMmp5F0rom634HgHvvAfYU2GxrjQoe1CvovVvCv8dut6CSr4jkoNXBHWdlGrLsGIu6Lu7Iwi2AjD_SEsSA1XmzJpVX3oH1OYB3zI2zRqoNw9zVuaToiU79fNu/s1600/glove+compartment.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-52619869812900834492012-06-25T06:00:00.000-07:002012-06-25T06:00:16.886-07:00Digital Bouquets - Sweet Thoughts!<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Redbookmag.com mentioned recently that their art director who was dating a guy long-distance frequently received texts with images of flowers...how sweet and easy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-5052771878562050352012-06-15T06:00:00.003-07:002012-06-15T06:00:02.820-07:00Father's Day Treat?<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So here's a cool (pun intended!) treat for Father's Day - "special" freezer pops (don't share these with the kids!). Redbookmag.com has some great recipes for adult freezer pops with just a touch of alcohol. Pina colada looked amazing:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Takes 5 minutes to make and 24 hours to freeze so think ahead!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 cups fresh sweet pineapple chunks (about 12 oz)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 (15 oz) can sweetened cream of coconut (i.e. Coco Lopez)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 cup pineapple juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/4 cup light rum or coconut rum (and this is optional if you want the non-alcohol version!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">pinch of salt</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Puree ingredients in a blender until smooth and transfer mixture to a large pitcher. Pour into ten</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3 oz. freezer pop molds and insert sticks. Freeze at least 24 hours before unmolding.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj552aMjMDH271KAowkDAcI38LxbBBiTGIt1c9RM2T8YXKiRp7CPJ4Jpgm-kecpFVR9sRwUG_nmo1s6pfkh7HeSoI7xM-1O0kejWzyDHOtQrijAt7EbYVxYF4-H572xlPIVS0KBbIu0IhIc/s1600/freezerpops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj552aMjMDH271KAowkDAcI38LxbBBiTGIt1c9RM2T8YXKiRp7CPJ4Jpgm-kecpFVR9sRwUG_nmo1s6pfkh7HeSoI7xM-1O0kejWzyDHOtQrijAt7EbYVxYF4-H572xlPIVS0KBbIu0IhIc/s1600/freezerpops.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Check the website above for other fun recipes! (Where were these on Mother's Day?!)</span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-5147860836692922032012-06-15T06:00:00.002-07:002012-06-15T06:00:12.942-07:00Here's to your health!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIYp8wq4sQEKDtYyfLITaIWEh_vcAIAKPLXPivwIGtKmdYlFU-SU0VAIpRQPzZUnwluwwNRmsFLZyR_WhumCIMNwPRAu3IRcmaiysHnbViaMa8l0zpyWtdTBcja3MKllsZMcPwqVAmh3_/s1600/healthyminds.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIYp8wq4sQEKDtYyfLITaIWEh_vcAIAKPLXPivwIGtKmdYlFU-SU0VAIpRQPzZUnwluwwNRmsFLZyR_WhumCIMNwPRAu3IRcmaiysHnbViaMa8l0zpyWtdTBcja3MKllsZMcPwqVAmh3_/s400/healthyminds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751898134485425954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Good Housekeeping (5/12) provides a list of reliable sites and apps to find answers and info regarding health issues you and/or loved ones may be facing:<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">breastcancer</span>.org<br />diabetes.org<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">healthyminds</span>.org<br />cdc.gov/physicalactivity.org<br /><br />Visit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">goodhousekeeping</span>.com for others that may help you get the answers you need!<br /></span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-90949505182684024192012-06-13T06:00:00.000-07:002012-06-13T06:00:16.961-07:00OCD with DVDs!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNygGLShXGrCSp_S8THNBeCvt6dN3cXPAMoM0hKZ3h4wCWdU15G2nHCxjAcrsBqZf_4mglLdAujxvy3-akIexFd1-VqEp5DAYjSOfiKzHJeushALoWvx9mPvdljCMcXNqwu7p0KMP99Moa/s1600/dvdstorage.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNygGLShXGrCSp_S8THNBeCvt6dN3cXPAMoM0hKZ3h4wCWdU15G2nHCxjAcrsBqZf_4mglLdAujxvy3-akIexFd1-VqEp5DAYjSOfiKzHJeushALoWvx9mPvdljCMcXNqwu7p0KMP99Moa/s400/dvdstorage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751886625455159010" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I have an entire 3-shelf, hall-length closet filled with videos and DVDs! This is so cramping our storage space, but what to do? Well - the VHS tapes are old-school and still probably require at least one shelf all their own, but the DVDs? REALSIMPLE.com suggests putting all the DVDs in a single hard-case DVD organizer...Probably should have thought of this before, but this could actually mean linens fitting in a linen closet! Who is with me on this?!<br /></span></span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-85464196945692445212012-06-11T06:00:00.000-07:002012-06-11T06:00:12.283-07:00And while we are on the topic of road trips...<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With several of us potentially vacationing together, airline prices are a bit steep for us. And gas for a road trip is still sky-high too...what to do?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Check out www.FuelMyRoute.com and select a grade of gas and enter your starting and destination points. The site will identify the cheapest gas prices all along your route! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPCaN4RYzEUx6MSj4SC0oR6mTbjYnbTi81wyCSx2agY0YtjeXyCbq903uEp8MrfcaErKCJkjAqGrUpzDnCW9-wdL-e_0aLahSO2vbl3AqFKmoZR3oR8SlMPIJGVudLna5-A4_sSJRf8Ok/s1600/Beetle+stuffing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPCaN4RYzEUx6MSj4SC0oR6mTbjYnbTi81wyCSx2agY0YtjeXyCbq903uEp8MrfcaErKCJkjAqGrUpzDnCW9-wdL-e_0aLahSO2vbl3AqFKmoZR3oR8SlMPIJGVudLna5-A4_sSJRf8Ok/s320/Beetle+stuffing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-75405057383990907662012-06-07T06:00:00.000-07:002012-06-07T06:00:17.113-07:00Drive-by readings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq66XDLQCGiQ02P1zK7u4ZCb0hQhA0hSc3S7xgL-9tCD8O-1jsQ-Xt1cbJHZ6fXM09i329u2Lc09Ou4WXtqUCY9izTCvSgjvepANeLXmaL6Mwuwp-empXFkP8km5W9kuG8QxLrpkr8V9QP/s1600/audiobook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq66XDLQCGiQ02P1zK7u4ZCb0hQhA0hSc3S7xgL-9tCD8O-1jsQ-Xt1cbJHZ6fXM09i329u2Lc09Ou4WXtqUCY9izTCvSgjvepANeLXmaL6Mwuwp-empXFkP8km5W9kuG8QxLrpkr8V9QP/s320/audiobook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hitting the road for vacation with the family or just you and your significant other? Bypass the videos and the iPods for awhile and listen to audiobooks together. With the kids, consider <i>The Magic Tree House Collection </i>or <i>A Wrinkle in Time. </i>No kids along for the ride? What about a great biography or a new James Patterson thriller? And better yet...you can check them out from the library so no added expense for your trip!</span></span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-66024753412902707922012-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:002012-06-02T06:00:11.267-07:00One scoop or two?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTP9JIorAwev5Jc_EKT1j2lGK13YoGFD_QjXsMdE9loSYSj7UmH6xV4HmHP4Y3tRQg7Sr8Fwc_hnDFHMRE0ZRg4of2skCaKCOrfLlE-0mFNlJmlTwuHT8JYUGxqDsKUNwtAACVR1jV7KA/s1600/sand-scoop_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTP9JIorAwev5Jc_EKT1j2lGK13YoGFD_QjXsMdE9loSYSj7UmH6xV4HmHP4Y3tRQg7Sr8Fwc_hnDFHMRE0ZRg4of2skCaKCOrfLlE-0mFNlJmlTwuHT8JYUGxqDsKUNwtAACVR1jV7KA/s320/sand-scoop_300.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Love REALSIMPLE.com's suggestion for sand-castle building...take along an ice-cream scoop to use with the wet sand. Your kids will love it (actually I want to try it out this summer)!</span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-75509170702313016172012-05-23T06:00:00.000-07:002012-05-23T06:00:16.018-07:00Financial makeover...make more money!<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We can cover all kinds of topics on this (major ones are found at redbookmag.com) but a good starting point is finding out if you are underpaid!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf6N2ULDDO9CYCgEZbXVmSjsnsAqBS_n7HLutwGi8GeeWXfz2Fwq-STUy7OUrvaYjyJEJ2u1R-JvC3hPiM50Aq5WScsmDFTdm1F9GvE9Ry2B-B1toz9_HEBPxt6IY4GBVi8w78U-ZEr5m/s1600/raiserequest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf6N2ULDDO9CYCgEZbXVmSjsnsAqBS_n7HLutwGi8GeeWXfz2Fwq-STUy7OUrvaYjyJEJ2u1R-JvC3hPiM50Aq5WScsmDFTdm1F9GvE9Ry2B-B1toz9_HEBPxt6IY4GBVi8w78U-ZEr5m/s1600/raiserequest.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can compare your salary to the industry averages at glassdoor.com - too low? Consider the best ways to approach your boss for a raise!</span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-14486208829589878352012-05-21T06:00:00.000-07:002012-05-21T06:00:09.218-07:00Virtual Garage Sales?<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Craig's List is becoming well-known as a source for finding (or selling) that special something at just the right price. But watch out, because Oprah.com (Mar.2012) suggested a new online marketplace: www.zaarly.com.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNY3DP2o2f6CIKSKBXhk11gqNNqspvhWqN_if_7RHFy9lKgytxPEsdOL8F9IImCxCgIvsn9uaI33f8R9BgqABRqNzuW8H2eZc1LJZ13bHR4f6WCbph6z4if957CHuPlfpyORgoHiEzPHdI/s1600/zaarly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNY3DP2o2f6CIKSKBXhk11gqNNqspvhWqN_if_7RHFy9lKgytxPEsdOL8F9IImCxCgIvsn9uaI33f8R9BgqABRqNzuW8H2eZc1LJZ13bHR4f6WCbph6z4if957CHuPlfpyORgoHiEzPHdI/s1600/zaarly.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've checked it out briefly, but see what you think...wonder if this is the new "garage sale"?</span></span>!Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-84725695262516697622012-05-19T06:00:00.000-07:002012-05-19T06:00:01.609-07:00Sachets to pack the winter sweaters away<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By now I hope we've all said farewell (or good riddance!) to winter! If so, now is the perfect time to pack your winter clothes away (woolen items, especially sweaters) until the snow flies again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can make your own sachets to store along with them in your closets and drawers - they will keep them fresh-smelling and fend away the moths. (Thanks go to marthastewart.com - April '12)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinoI_CzTjyP5amktmKwAFuj0JvKj6T304ID4kb0Nuo5xlL5HiJthEVZLk0b39dap5F_M4yflv03zTa1x15ZW7o5MeWhWqdD_e7bg2otcavbFFo08JGjpQl-5hXPAFhTyk4J7bV6KouCwW/s1600/sachets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinoI_CzTjyP5amktmKwAFuj0JvKj6T304ID4kb0Nuo5xlL5HiJthEVZLk0b39dap5F_M4yflv03zTa1x15ZW7o5MeWhWqdD_e7bg2otcavbFFo08JGjpQl-5hXPAFhTyk4J7bV6KouCwW/s1600/sachets.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Use cotton muslin bags - small ones like those used to mull spices. Fill each bag with fragrant dry ingredients such as thyme, cloves, lavender, mint or cedar. Tie the bags shut and place them in closets and drawers to keep your wardrobe fresh. (Personally cedar reminds me of my grandparents' attic - I'd say go with lavender, thyme or mint!).</span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-26485489453033788432012-05-17T06:00:00.000-07:002012-05-17T06:00:03.821-07:00"Pantastic"! (yes it's a pun!)<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ok, so we already know I have unfulfilled dreams of being super-organized and I know all kinds of resources to get me there...I just never quite get to my goal!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRWeMz-k-PRXDi1TUBEkTzwUOoX1v_6erfE2U8xfNddXTlPBf3QoiXEOMC0O_06NwlOE9mnC9IwPGNY1_yVLzcc1wfn_01KoS5Y-owc-ai92AflHtQiIFJenJIKIjaxn17mT4swtULYlN/s1600/filingpans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRWeMz-k-PRXDi1TUBEkTzwUOoX1v_6erfE2U8xfNddXTlPBf3QoiXEOMC0O_06NwlOE9mnC9IwPGNY1_yVLzcc1wfn_01KoS5Y-owc-ai92AflHtQiIFJenJIKIjaxn17mT4swtULYlN/s1600/filingpans.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But this one idea may get me out of the doghouse with my husband who hates that I haphazardly stack cookie sheets, pie tins, etc. in one sad little cupboard! One magazine clipping I ran across suggested using a metal file sorter (though I think plastic would be better) to store these pans and cutting boards in. Makes it easier to find the one you need and keeps them from sliding out of the cupboard. (It's the little things in life!)</span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-76976947933386428082012-05-15T06:00:00.000-07:002012-05-15T06:00:11.733-07:00Baby Showers Made Simple<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So admittedly, I won't be having another child (phew!) and I'm quite a way from being a grandma, but for those who are expecting or know someone who is this link could be your answer to all things baby shower: www.realsimple.com/babyshowerideas.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9IPuRGsrVCJobkYEEAAijLRGmlg8KMU-K5G1nbAM8FVEogVspfdTnLB37tx119Aa3pgPFQMRzwSYIH9PTJ_FaLTi4NIJorJkXreSkbbzB9mdnUHDlfsYz-e3uAMJmIR44imoyGC2P9n6/s1600/popshower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9IPuRGsrVCJobkYEEAAijLRGmlg8KMU-K5G1nbAM8FVEogVspfdTnLB37tx119Aa3pgPFQMRzwSYIH9PTJ_FaLTi4NIJorJkXreSkbbzB9mdnUHDlfsYz-e3uAMJmIR44imoyGC2P9n6/s1600/popshower.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They give you ideas for themes, invitations, decorating and refreshments, so relax! It will be easier than you thought!</span>Penny Pincherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13795656026723147183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161477425692390829.post-43819093754455205012012-05-13T06:00:00.000-07:002012-05-13T06:00:06.116-07:00Happy Mother's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZxIsTjF78AZLkdNmZlM0PIgsUMO8xdXoF9H6X3bODji7XUhPSwJLVr8TU9kWF_LIFPQI_Abz7vfOR39KgqpvJ_gbksarJtr0ebMhkt6wbUXQwV9WcI694XkgD7oHgStqdMyK9BaXluX6/s1600/mothersday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZxIsTjF78AZLkdNmZlM0PIgsUMO8xdXoF9H6X3bODji7XUhPSwJLVr8TU9kWF_LIFPQI_Abz7vfOR39KgqpvJ_gbksarJtr0ebMhkt6wbUXQwV9WcI694XkgD7oHgStqdMyK9BaXluX6/s1600/mothersday.jpg" /></a></div>
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